New company offers unique gift idea: wearable, hand-painted shoes!

KIRKLAND, Wash. - Nov. 14, 2014 - Wishing you’d invested more in the arts, but lack the wall space? Well, how about wearing it on your feet? STRUTYOURSHOES.COM is an up-and-coming online store offering a unique (and curious) service: wearable works of art in the form of locally hand-painted comfort shoes.

So, how does it work? First off, you (the customer) will sit down at your computer with a venti mocha latte and blissfully peruse their extensive array of beautiful designs (note: mocha latte not included). Then, you pick your favorite, along with your favorite style of shoe and place an order online through their simple, secure, user-friendly web site. During the payment process we’re told you will be informed of the exact ship date you can expect your shoes to be mailed on (a novelty that made-to-order sites don’t typically offer), so you know exactly what you’re getting and when you’re getting it.

Sounds pretty cool, right? With one big looming concern: how on earth can you wear painted shoes? Wouldn’t it wash off on your first misstep into a mud puddle? Well, designer and owner Hillary Birmingham is here to help put our minds at ease:

“The most common concern we get is whether or not the shoes are actually wearable and hold up well over time, and believe it or not, they absolutely do. All of our designs are created with professional grade products designed specifically for application to the materials commonly used in footwear. Essentially, the paint itself bonds with the material, as supposed to just sitting on the surface of it. Also, they’re double sealed with a waterproof textile sealant and a silicone based water repellent, making them not only beautiful, but all weather proof and believe-it-or-not, downright durable!”

Don’t believe it? Me neither. Fortunately, seeing is believing and Hillary was kind enough to show the public a pair in her online video. She’s worn them for over six months, and I have to say, they just look like a well made pair of shoes; without a scratch or crack in sight. And did we mention how gorgeous they are? Their designs stretch over a large range of eclectic tastes, from their Beatles inspired “Hello Submarine” shoe to their colorful peacock design “Inversion”, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Now that’s some artistic innovation!

Now, before you grab your wallet and rush over to their web site, you should know that the local startup hasn’t officially opened it’s online doors just yet, but fret not! For those of you that value instant gratification, we are very pleased to report that you can get their shoes right now through their online Kickstarter campaign that runs until December 14th. Just head over to Kickstarter.com and search for “Strut your shoes”, and be prepared to see some seriously strutworthy shoes. For those buy local holiday shoppers out there, they’ve also got a “Christmas Rush” option, as well as a gift certificate that comes with a downloadable print-at-home gift card. Just pop it inside a hallmark card, and BAM! A gift they’re sure not to already have in their closet.

​Well, I know where I’m doing my holiday shopping. And, dare I say, maybe an early present for myself?

http://www.strutyourshoes.com